How Do You Disinfect Feeders & Waterers?

Biosecurity is important. Just like in our lives, we have to focus on what we want around us and nurture what is of importance.

31 December, gave us time to inspect our surroundings and relate it to our lives in retrospect.

We are brooding a batch for a client and moved them outdoors. Time also to upgrade to auto feeders for them. What is shown is an automatic feeder. You fill that with feeds and they are dispensed to the basin at the bottom. We hang them and adjust according to height of chicks, so they can't scratch them.

This is how we disinfect feeders, waterers, shoes, boots, brooders, screens, walls, driveways etc. We find the power washer effective as it gets to the nooks and cranny.... ..in simple terms, mga sulok sulok :)

I find it easy also that you have a big drum or pail, with water and chlorox, much like how you keep a pail to catch the dirty diapers of a baby. Dump everything there until you find the time to wash them. Then dry them under the sun.

Periodic disinfection need not be expensive. We use chlorox and let it sit under the sun. Best and free disinfectant is solar power!

YM This Morning

My YM this morning. He bought Sunshines from St. Mary's Farm in Cebu.

Bernard Neil Tanchan: ive tasted sunshine chickens already...cooked 2 ways... both very delicious
solraya: see...sarap..how did you cook it?
solraya: how did it compare to bisaya manok?
Bernard Neil Tanchan: same with bisaya manok but meatier and the meat is tender
Bernard Neil Tanchan: one is estopadong manok...have you heard of that?"
Bernard Neil Tanchan: and the other one is tinola
solraya: yes, pero i feel sayang the taste for estopado as the soy can masque the taste
solraya: sarap tinola
solraya: so slow cooking low fire?
Bernard Neil Tanchan: but it was very delicious...yes slow cooking
solraya: do u turbo chicken? rub with rosemary herbs...and turbo
Bernard Neil Tanchan: sometimes we do
solraya: i'm glad visayans know what it is to eat good chicken..luzon people only know whites
solraya: can i post this conversation? it will show your name ha
Bernard Neil Tanchan: maybe coz we are still provincianos hehe
Bernard Neil Tanchan: old people now that native is better than white chickens
solraya: yes but you are young...most people your age here think manok is jollibee
Bernard Neil Tanchan: maybe because my father let us eat bisaya manok every sunday...

Last Agree Sa Agri For Year 2007

We are privileged to be on today's Agree sa Agri. Last for the year 2007, it was a 2hr radio spot today, as Anne Bernardino will not be on board tomorrow at 4am.

Time constraints, a phone patch was done to have Doc Rey be her guest this morning. He talked about the importance of vaccinating your Sunshines and other animals as preventive measures.

Aside from schedules, he taught How To vaccinate your chicks.

Text in queries poured. That is what we want. No doubts should be left in your mind, so we can all help one another. There will be no guarantees to fail proof raising of animals....but trying to eliminate the steps that have proven wrong before, will be a big help to lessen the tuition we have to charge to experience.

Doc Rey will become more involved with Agree as Agri, not only for the Sunshines, but for your animal know how in general.

Camera

Last Friday, we went to Tagaytay as a client was loading January 02, 2008.

We were busy that day, but spur of the moment, we decided to make a quick trip.

Lunch time saw us at Cafe Lupe. Sarapppppppppppp ng Crispy Binagoongan. That made me buy the next day at AANI FTI, ingredients that inspired me to make a similar dish. But a pronto one. Like instead of the lechon kawali, I bought Lapid's Chicharon with laman and just balat :) For toppings, I got green mangoes, wansoy, lasona (the small red onions), tomatoes, red eggs and ginisang bagoong.

That lunch detoured me from my topic....burp.

I took pictures of the forestlike setting. Perfect to do it as I won't be with the delivery on January 02, plus it won't photograph well as it will be evening.

When I was reviewing pictures, they were overexposed! Can that happen to a digicam? Photos taken indoors and night time were ok. It is when taking pics outdoors that the camera decides to sit down and pout.

I got myself a camera that clicks that night :)

So....I think I make that trip to Tagaytay and since I am with a car color coding on Wednesdays, I spend the time there until I reach the 10am start of the window to enter Metro Manila. Great time to try another restaurant and take my pictures too :)

That is January 01 late evening delivery actually....see....We can't wait for 2008 to start as we can't let go of 2007 yet.

Doc Rey Agrees Sa Agri

Tomorrow, at 4am, Doc Rey will be the guest of Anne Bernardino, anchor of Agree sa Agri.

Tune in if you can :)

Biosecurity

We get requests to visit our breeder farm. Sorry, but for biosecurity reason, we do now allow visitors. It will be to your utmost interest, our clients, that we are able to maintain our breeders in top health. Even amongst us partners, we refrain from doing so, as we have one assigned to breeding anyway, while others are assigned to finance and marketing.

That is the main reason why we maintain our booths at AANI FTI, AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center and our demo on urban farming at the rooftop of our Fairview outlet.

You will see us there and able to get one on one pointers in raising our Sunshine Chickens.

Periodically, we have our free seminars. If you want seminars in your area, coordinate with your local DA, Municipal officers etc and advise them that we may be contacted for FREE SEMINARS in your area.

Recent dispersals have been in CAR, Bicol and Batangas.

Let's work hand in hand with government to give us all, Sunshines on our tables and to help us in livelihood.

We didn't decide to call it Sunshine for nothing. Sunshine gives us freshness and hope...it doesn't cost a lot to raise Sunshines... let's not forget the health benefits and of course the taste. Lasang native!

Tiny Tugagao's Prized Sunshines

Tiny was the 1st winner in the text contests over Agree sa Agri, aired over DZEC.

Doc Rey,
I'm sending to you video and pics of my sunshine chicks, taken on their 22nd days.
They are being ranged here in Marilao, Bulacan.
Thank you very much.
Happy Holidays!!

Tiny Tugagao

2007 Is Going Fast! May We Pause?

Most people I speak with always say that they want the year to end pronto, to be able to have a fresh start already.

I think to myself....

So many things to do yet...can we lengthen 2007?

The jumpiness of 2007 was a welcome surprise. We were and are so busy that we wish 2007 won't end yet. But, deadlines don't have to be met all the time. You win some, lose some...there will always be a next day to do things :)

Work and play was a hairline difference. Just yesterday, on the trip to Manila, there was an unexpected and unplanned purchase of a toy......well we'll see how my feng shui goes....btw 2008 is my year :)

As they say....

OOolah-lah!

Cooking With Herbs & Sunshine

Monthly, there will be a cooking demo by Chef Bert of Lipa Institute for Culinary Arts.

Jan 13, 2008 is the next schedule at AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center.

I love the number 13! See you there :)

Solraya & SASSO Team Wishes All: Merry Christmas

2007 went fast because we were very busy. Thank you to all our commercial growers, government accounts, backyard raisers, weekend farmers and mostly to the end users of Sunshine Chickens, who patronized both the commercial and backyard growers.

2008 starts us off with the scheduled arrival of our Parent Stocks from SASSO, the established genetic company in the free range colored chicken industry. We have increased our number of Parent Stocks to cope up with the demand. Strategic planning by our able team is never ending. We don't sit on where we are now, thanks to you..but we will always look for ways how to offer you better service. The product is there already. What we work on improving is for all of us to grow together.

Merry Christmas...enjoy your Sunshines for the Noche Buena.

SASSolraya tayo!

You grow, we grow....Let's GROW: Solraya and SASSO team

PAWS 12 Days Of Christmas Wish List

Although my passion is our Sunshine Chickens, Solraya is composed of other branches in the business. One of which is our team of veterinarians who offer technical support and animal health services.

For those who have small animals and would like to share the blessings of your furry family members with their sheltered relatives..pls read their wishes.

Pamora Farm Gets Sunshine In Abra

I got a text early in the morning to get a copy of Manila Bulletin today. Not having a hardcopy of the newspaper, I called Tina immediately for some small talk (as if we don't do it all the time)....read about A French Farm in Abra.

Pamora Farm is the longest in the dressed free range chicken and value added products. They have done that, tried that and what we all teach others now, are part of all we learned together over our years together.

Their list of clients now includes Sofitel Hotel, Terry Selections, Santi's Deli and the weekend organic farms.

Solraya is happy to have been supplying the day old chicks requirements of Pamora Farm.

How To Butcher A Chicken

I found this blog. It didn't interest me for the sake of learning to dress a chicken. The blog got me for the reasons Herrick Kimball was writing it for. Documenting why and hopefully others will realize it too.

After you grow your Sunshines with your children...you may wish to learn with them how to butcher a chicken.

Christmas Agri Kapihan 2007

Nina Manzanares-Agu gave birth and left all details planned and mapped out. Thank God she did! Zac Sarian was in Taiwan for a previously set engagement. Except for the two important people, everyone was there plus more.

There were gifts for almost everyone. A seminar for Sunshine Chicken was done by Doc Rey. Cooking demonstration by Chef Bert Clemenia of De La Salle Culinary Arts in Lipa, Batangas. Very engaging trainor!

Seasoning the Sunshine Adobo with Herbs


Why Rosemarie is Good


Secret is Low Fire, Slow Cooking


Want to see Chef Bert and Sunshine more often? AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center will feature us together once a month :)

I first heard about him when Engr. Pol Rubia mentioned about some culinary students staying at AANI Herbal Garden and doing an OJT planting and learning about herbs.

Only way to learn! Experience...so you know why, when and what you will be doing.

I am thankful to be working with a great personality.

Rellenong Manok For Noche Buena

One of the food blogs I visit is that of Connie Veneracion's Pinoy Cook, w/c led me to a blog she created for the season, The Noche Buena Blog.

Staying at AANI FTI Weekend Market, I get to meet the cooks at home. We have been getting orders for the large sized chickens 2.5-3kilos to be used for Gallantina, Relleno and Roasts.

This recipe for Rellenong Manok by Connie Veneracion makes me appreciate why a cook will want a big chicken.

Another comfort food came to mind....not a noche buena fare....but a hole in the wall comfort food. Have you tried having Pospas? Can't recall where I have it in Laguna. What's that place that Laguna is known for puto? Its like lugaw or arroz caldo, but richer and tastier. I guess it is because it is left to simmer for hours.

I am supposed to do a trackback to pinoycook.net...let me try how to do this one: http://www.pinoycook.net/nochebuena/​rellenong-manok-stuffed-deboned-whole-chicken/​trackback/ ....hope I got it.

F1 Free Range Chickens

That is what we are.

F1 means first generation, bred from selected Parent Stocks (PS). The Parent Stocks we imported from France are selected for taste, growth rate and adaptability to the tropical weather.

Free Range Chickens - They were designed and developed to free range. The Sunshines are meant to graze and forage. They are most happy unconfined in open areas with living grass. You may do a "cut and carry" to bring them their grass, if necessary...but compare how energetic and lively they are when they hunt for their own treasures from the soil.

We breed properly, hatchery in farm, transport in brand new (not receycled) properly designed chick boxes and we are available for free technical assistance. Parent Stocks are imported and replenished periodically to give you quality F1 free range chickens.

We call them

Solraya's Sunshine Chickens

or simply

Sunshine

.

Dispersal at 1am

Sounds like a news item :)

Just got to Manila after an 8hr drive. Had to be around for the loading of a dispersal for 3000 Sunshines at 6am, South of Metro Manila.

Looks like the longest day of 2007 for me. Started with this dispersal, 3 meetings today, hatch this afternoon, preparing deliveries for tonight...not counting the surprise events....exciting huh?! I love Fridays.

Do you believe that it is a "small world"? The other day made me think not just about a small world but more like

If you go to where you want to be, do the things that you like to do and seek what makes you happy....you will eventually get back that circle of friends, places, events and things back. As they are the same to people who likes the same things as you do.

I got a call at 7am, apparently overseas. I was feeling under the weather that day and decided to go to work an hour later. Inquiry was about Sunshines...from Toronto. That call led our talk to like 30yrs ago, when we both got to Toronto....same bowling places, common gossip people, my eventual co-workers were his neighbors. We worked in immigration on other sides of the fence. Because we were discussing about poultry, he eventually mentioned a nephew, based in SFO, who was into gamefowls...I thought about "someone". Next day I asked what the name of that nephew was....yan ang telepathy grabe....it was the person I thought of :)

This is what you do at past 1am, waiting for loading of chicks...you blab, blog or whatever you call it.

Raising and Cooking Sunshines

During the Christmas Agri Kapihan Forum on December 16, 2007, two (2) seminars have been lined up:

1) How To Raise Your Sunshines From Day1 To Harvest - by Doc Rey

2) Cooking Demonstrations by Chef Bert Clemenia of De La Salle Culinary Arts

See you there!

FREE, no fees collected.

Great time to meet the Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura and AANI family, led by Zac Sarian, Tony Rola, Nina Manzanares-Agu and Eng. Pol Rubia.

Quarter After 5pm

I just realized that a "bad thing" this morning didn't wreak my day because maybe of the Cebu and Alaminos photos and trip.

We had a break-in at our Santiago City store. Cashier didn't follow protocol for this one instance....and bad or good timing we can say!

Anyway....we are thankful that we are kept busy, instead of having to resort to under the table maneuvers to live :)

No connection...but in line with the expensive buildings just posted...

Just a thought:

The taste of the Sunshines have nothing to do with the cost of the buildings

....sandy

Pictures are just to look at and not to be used as a gauge of standards.

Maawi Organic Vegetable & Chicken Farm

When the idea of going to Alaminos, Pangasinan was brought up at 6am...I said "YES"!

This is where half of my roots are from.

We left AANI QC Circle at 9am. Got to Sausalito for lunch a little after 1pm. Those two pictures were taken from the food place.

Jocelyn and David did well with the farms. The chicken farm is separate from the organic vegetables, so biosecurity is better.

There are five poultry houses. Good we went there as from initial photos sent, I thought the buildings were elevated. Nope, they were built on the ground, so no expense for flooring. The side doors open straight to range areas and kept open for the chickens to go in and out during the day.

There was a time they decided to experiment and got some chickens from another supplier. Mortality was high and they were not as resistant to diseases as the Sunshines.

We were brought to the vegetable farm also. I took so many photos, but I don't know how my digital could have gotten them over exposed. Good the video came out well.

No pesticides used here.

They have always aimed to create a niche in the 2.5kilos and over, chickens. Keeping standards to harvesting at 85-90days minimum. Slowly they are getting their footprints in the market.

The eggs from her uncaged Sunshines are being taken by a French patisserie with several branches in Manila. A couple of hotels have called them back after they submitted samples, a large chain is making an initial order.

Jocelyn and David are enjoying doing the rounds selling their chickens and vegetables that they are proud of.

Cebu Dealer In Study

St. Mary's Farm, situated in the mountains north of Cebu City, has practiced with two grows.

First batch had been sampled for taste tests and offered to some establishments in the area.

They are going for the niche of the larger sized chickens as requested by the market they surveyed.

Initial talks for possible dealership for Cebu.

Steamed Chicken Of Marusil

Marusil is Bobby Inocencio's better half. Since Bobby is the Godfather of Free Range Chicken in the Philippines, Marusil cooked a lot of the ranging chicken to be served to guests.

This recipe was featured in a brochure that they used to give around.

Marusil is Ilongga. I am not sure if this is a regional recipe.

Marusil's Steamed Chicken
Ingredients:
• 1 whole SUNSHINE chicken
• 1 teaspoon rock salt
• 1 chunk ginger, grated
• 1 head garlic, crushed
• 2-3 stalks lemongrass
Gravy:
• dripping from steamed chicken
• 2 T all purpose flour
• spring onions and grated ginger
• salt and pepper
• 2 T peanut oil
Directions:
Rub chicken with salt. Rub juice of grated ginger on the skin and inside of the chicken. Stuff chicken with grated ginger, crushed garlic and lemongrass. Steam for 30-40 mins or until tender. Set aside.

For the gravy, sauté the onions and grated ginger. Stir in the dripping. Dissolve flour in water and stir into the dripping mixture when boiling. Add salt and pepper. Top with spring onions and grated ginger. Serve with chicken.

Traffic Of December

My first stop today was to visit the dealer in Alabang. Pleasant chitchat because we haven't seen each other in a long time.

Destined to exit Bicutan, I missed it and ended up in the Skyway! That brought me to Magallanes. I ended up using SLEX because of the traffic and excited Bicutan again from Southbound this time :)

Did some chatting at AANI FTI with women who bought ready to slaughter Sunshines, exchanging recipes and cooking times. I could have stayed the whole day.

Had to run to Cainta as we ran out of some injectables for our stores.

Traffic was terrible!!! From Cainta, I opted to go to Antipolo and pass thru Marcos Hway, rather than go back the route of Ortigas.

No cause of traffic, but it is everywhere.....I guess last days of BER.

Ilocos Norte Goes To Salcedo Market

ILOCOS NORTE COMES TO SALCEDO MARKET



The Salcedo Community Market and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte will
host an Ilocos food and crafts fair on December 15, 2007, showcasing the finest
fresh produce, specialty food items and indigenous crafts from the Ilocos region.



Entitled “Panaggapas: The Ilocano Harvest,” the day-long event was organized by
the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office in cooperation with the Museo Ilocos Norte, the
Gameng Foundation.



The festival is the first time the Salcedo Community Market – Manila’s most
popular weekend market – will host a fair of regional Filipino specialty food
items and traditional crafts.



Specialty items on sale will include popular products such as Ilocos garlic,
shallots, cornick, linga (sesame seeds), miki and tupig, sugarcane wine (basi) and
sugarcane vinegar (sukang Iloko) – all of which will be on sale from 7:00 am to
4:00 pm.



Other items on sale will also include Ilocano delicacies such as bagnet, empanada
and longganiza. Among the non-food items are woven textiles and cotton fabric, as
well as dried tobacco leaves – a traditional household insect-repellant and garden
pesticide.



Newly-elected Gov. Michael M. Keon describes the special event as "a showcase of
Ilocano talent, creativity, and industry," while Cong. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
(2nd District) invites everyone “who appreciates good, honest food, and hand-made
quality products” to the fair.



“Panaggapas” – or “harvest season,” in the local language – is the traditional
highlight of the year's efforts, when the hardworking farmers give thanks for the
blessings they have received and rest after another year of work.


Salcedo’s “Panaggapas” Festival will also include a cooking demonstration of
traditional Ilocos food by authentic cooks brought in specially for the event, as
well as representatives from the province’s hotels and resorts.



Also on sale at the event are traditional Abel Iloko – or woven cotton fabrics –
as blankets, runners and napkins. Included among the regional crafts are
handcrafted baskets and mats that are renowned for their tight, intricate weaves.



“The Ilocos harvest festival not only showcases the produce of one of the
country’s oldest regions, but also highlights the Salcedo Market’s commitment to
promote the Philippines as a whole,” said Women of Bel-Air Foundation, Inc.
Chairperson Constancia Q. Lichauco.



The Women of Bel-Air Foundation, Inc. will take over the operations of the market
beginning January 2008 and has promised to upgrade services at Manila’s most
popular market for the past three and a half years.

Lifted from a press release circulated by email by Le Club. Have you been to Salcedo Weekend Market? If not, GO! I enjoy this weekend thing. Food is great. You get shopping pushcarts for convenience. Meeting the bakers, cooks and farmers upfront and personal gives a country fair atmosphere.

Early Morning

By 4am we were at the entrance to the compound of DZEC 1062, for the Agree sa Agri radio show of Anne Bernardino.

Doc Rey was there to be the resource speaker, I was there as driver. They said the driver spoke more than the veterinarian. Kasi kung minsan ang bagal...sayang lull sa air diba?

The topic in Raising Sunshine Chickens was barely touched as there were phone in and text questions that came in and you tend to prioritize them.

The winners for the Thursday, Dec 06 text in contest were announced.

Why "winners" when there was just one question? Because the first winner was Crisanto Mahinay of New Cortez, New Corella, Davao del Norte. He was far away from the Davao City Airport so we sort of postponed is prize until he can time his schedule to the City.

Since we didn't have a Tuesday winner due to wrong spellings, we picked out another winner: Jess Balisi of Imus Cavite.

Ano and kinakain ng Solraya's Sunshine Chicken?

Ang pagkain ay mga living green grass, legumes, plants, insects, seeds, myriads, at other natural commodities.

Jess Balisi will just prepare his cage and pick up his prize at AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center. We hope to be around then to meet him :)

December 07, Agree sa Agri

Sunshine Chicken will be featured tomorrow morning, Agree sa Agri, DZEC 1062 khz, the radio program hosted by Anne Bernardino.

Ranger Hood

Study artwork for the wrapping of the Ranger truck.

This photo is supposed to go over the front: hood and fenders.

Picture from Tessie, a grower in Davao.

Infrared Red Brooding Bulbs

When asked what we suggest to use for brooding, we reply that we personally like to use infrared red brooding bulbs.

These bulbs are designed to give out heat. Unlike the incandescent bulbs that were meant to emit light and expire in a few days, these infrared bulbs are built to last and come out to be very fairly priced in the long run.

Comes in clear and red. The red bulbs were designed for poultry use, to limit feather picking.

Take a peek at the Sunshine hatch of 30 November. We are now brooding 3000 heads for a Southern Luzon client who wanted ready to free range Sunshines. The photos were taken at day1 and day3.

See how they move at day4. For the Ilokanos out there....you might get brooding pointers here.

Agree #1

We run contests for listeners of Agree sa Agri on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The first one was done last Thursday, 29 November.

Ano ang lasa ng Solraya's Sunshine Chicken?

Lasang native na manok.

The winner was Tiny Tugagao who will bring the chicks to his son's place in Bulacan. He expects to dress the Sunshines in March in time for his grandson's birthday. He picked up his ten (10) Sunshine Chicks on 01 December at our booth located at AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center.

Photo shows the radio program's host, Anne Bernardino, Doc Rey and Tiny Tugagao.

On Friday, 07 December, Doc Rey will be interviewed by Anne Bernardino for questions about the Sunshines.

Solraya in Fairview, QC

This address is actually our first store. But because we are based in Region2, this outlet was predominantly used as delivery point for the Metro suppliers. Since it was treated as a warehouse, it looked like one.

As I was posting the photos for our main store in Santiago City, there was a veterinarian who applied and we said "WHY NOT" :)

This very minute, aluminum and glass partitions are being installed. The rolldown doors and air conditioning are scheduled in the next days. Painting and signages are being planned. Should be our New Year to Solraya!

Just like our other outlets in Region2, we hope our animal health services may be replicated in Manila.

The address is great: Quirino cor Regalado, bside SM Fairview. For some reason, it is always a big production explaining where we are.

After the renovation and new signages, we hope to correct that.

I found this map interesting :)

Click here to view map
SOLRAYA Fairview

Day2 Was Play

I have a lot of pictures taken the past days....but as usual, I didn't expect to be staying over in Manila beyond Sunday so my reason again is "no camera dock".

No pictures = blabs :)

I wasn't working booths today so it was "no uniform day" for me. Have forgotten how it was not to sport my linen polo jacks (w/c are so comfortable).

Very early for my 9:30 appointment w/ my Sunshine breeding partners. When they found out I was 1hr early, they had to rush to take showers and run to Seattle's Best. I always had my Globe Visibility on the road and never got to use a Wiz Spot. Good I was alone, got the chance to try it. It was a so easy pala. No more wondering how to connect at a Wiz Spot.

The meeting was light, more like touching base and making sure our breeder, accountant and marketing were all doing assignments. Stamped approval in person, for next importation of Parent Stocks. Really ideal setup we have.

Had a 2pm appointment, so killed time at Market! Market! Got Christmas and Bossanova CDs :)

Can't wait to post my pics: 1) of a batch we are brooding for dispersal in Batangas 2) a raffle winner of a contest we do over Agree sa Agri.

If you wake up early on weekdays, you might want to listen to DZEC 1062khz at 4-5am on Friday, 07Dec. Sunshine Chicken will be featured and Doc Rey will be interviewed.

1st Day Of The Month

We are more relaxed when we moved hatchings to Fridays. That means, the invoicing and preparation are done late Friday while the Sunshines are being transported from hatchery to our base in Manila. Drivers are off to destinations and airport all at one time and pick up of growers and dealers are set for Friday night.

We get to have a comfortable sleep and wake up well for our separate AANI assignments. Rested again for the Sunday, early Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura of DWWW 774.

Today as usual, saw me at AANI FTI. It could have been a regular day for me, except that I had a very interesting talk with a group of three men who bought 10 chicks, 2weeks ago.

As you will gather eventually after knowing me more, numbers is not an issue to me. I get more passionate on a 10chick sale from an interested group rather than a sale of 3000 from a disinterested party.

They were so eager to learn and discuss "what ifs and what may bes". Our conversation went from politics to religion (AANI FTI is neighbor to the Maharlika Village of the Muslim Community) and led to Halal Chicken.

That scenario about starting with 10chicks, brooding them like babies, practicing before going on a bigger scale made me remember Farmer TJ's beginnings :)

Yes, that is the way to go. Start with a comfortable number and learn from the small mistakes.

Gave me another reason to credit Sunshine talk for the educating morning I had.

Print Ad For January 2008 Outing

Preview of our print ads starting January 2008 for Agriculture Magazine of Manila Bulletin.

If you will notice, we have veered away from the "imported" image, that was part of our former ads. No colors in reference to a country. We didn't want to be bought because Sunshines' parents came from halfway around the world.

A lot of grass, fresh air, let loose to forage, freedom from cages, and of course...sunshine!

We want to be known as the product patronized because of the taste and health benefits. Equal to that is our service and customer relation.

Original layout was done by Orange Segment. Picture taken by Joey Lacson of his Sunshines, ranging near Mambukal Resort, for harvest this Christmas season, meant for family and close friends. Sheryl of Manila Bulletin did some bit of editing for the print ad. Thank you.

Page Statistics

About a month ago, I was puttering with sites and came across sitemeter.com and statcounter.com. Installed the features to this site and became one of the sites I check as soon as I login.

Interesting that you see:

1) how many people are browing your page at the moment
2) details of who visited
3) how many pages they viewed
4) what sites they came from
5) how they got to your site
6) the search words that got them to you
7) popular pages

It was like a game to me viewing those every day.

I did a 30day graph and "whoaaaa"....I was surprised and really happy....the visitors jumped, increasing steadily...and they stayed and read more...PLUS...there are a good number of returning visitors.

Thank you....blogging keeps me sane in between work....and I hope it does to you too. There might be some who really go for "info" :)

Soiree Beaujolais 2007

Soirée Beaujolais 2007

Le Club French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines once again successfully held the grand Soirée Beaujolais 2007 last Tuesday, 20 November at 5:30 pm at the Harbor Garden Tent of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

More than 1,300 guests met amid verdant gardens and magnificent castles…
Savored excellent French cheeses, cold cuts and other delicacies…
Indulged themselves to the free flowing wine…
Were entertained by the Powerdance, Ms. Verni Varga and Mr. Jay Cayuca…
And danced the night away to the music of The Bloomfields!

The above text was lifted from Le Club news.

It was a night for fun. I was with my closest friends and PR team. I guess all of Manila was there...relatives, friends from school, people you knew from way before. We had so much laughter as it was a time for us to be signed off from work and see real friends. No pretentions when seeing old faces.

Invites said "formal"...so everyone looked dolled up :)

Wine was flowing....cheese selection was like seeing cartwheels on the table....cold cuts were great.

I forgot to take photos of the feast on the buffet tables. Seeing my friends' smiles will be enough proof of the evening and the Beaujolais.

AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center

We have extended our booth at AANI QC Circle and enclosed the two sides with poultry wire. The hut in the middle was maintained as is so small meetings can be held there.

You can't miss us with our tarps, uniformed personnel, very visible from the seminar area and we are the corner you pass going to the wash rooms :)

Located inside the Quezon Memorial Circle, take the East Ave Gate to enter. You will see it on your left side as you enter. There is a lot of parking. It is also accessible using the pedestrian underpass that connect the Quezon City Hall and the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Doc Rey is normally there Saturdays and Sundays to entertain inquiries.

There are some Sunshines left to range so people can see that they are low maintenance.

Thing is....hard to keep the grass growing in a small area with foragers. With the number of booths around us selling organic vegetables and fruits, it isn't hard to feed them.

We Start With "AGREE SA AGRI"

We start tomorrow, Wed, participating in AGREE SA AGRI a radio program over DZEC 1062 khz.

At the onset, we will simply have ads running, contests to familiarize consumers what Sunshines are all about and later have Doc Rey participate in the education on the air segment of the agricultural program.

If you wake up early you may want to set your tuner, or from overseas, listen thru the internet.

Solraya's Base in Santiago City

See where we are based in Santiago City, Isabela.

Total of 160sqm, we are located along Panganiban cor Alfonso, in the busy market road. Parking is available.


The pictures here are taken after we did our Christmas decor. Shown here is the inner office. That is the airconditoned area where customers are attended to for veterinary consultations and meetings. All veterinary medicines and supplies are displayed here.

Our grooming and confinement area is located beyond the glass enclosured area.

The outer area is where the feeds, grains, pet food and accessories are shown.

Agri Kapihan Nov2007

This was our 2nd attendance at the monthly Agri Kapihan by Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura of DWWW 774.

Very good turnout even though there was the warning about typhoon Mina's entry.

The seminar of chocolate making was interesting. I went forward to listen. From recipe books and food magazines, the content of the seminar wasn't new to me. What got my attention was the speaker. I think her name was Roxanne...she was entertaining and grabbed her audience' attention.

Another seminar was on AirPG stove. No need for your regular LPG.

Aside from the talks given, the people may speak with the roster of experts who are part of Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura family of DWWW 774.

Join us for December 16.

Our Hatch Of Nov23

The first hatches of the island borns were like us, adjusting to schedules, demand etc.

Weekly, we all improved in our assignments. So did they. Increasing number of eggs, quality, fertility and hatchability rate.

Our dealer in Baguio, has her flock of hatch Nov03, weighing in at 500g at 21days.

Now, the Sunshine day old chicks are proud to come out and show off how they are.

They now weighed in at 5kilos (per box of 100) at the airport.

AGRI KAPIHAN - CHRISTMAS EDITION

Come and join us for Agri Kapihan.

WHEN: 16 December 2007
WHERE: Courtyard of DWWW 774 khz
23 E Rodriguez near D. Tuazon
Quezon City

Be there for seminars, one-on-one with the experts, good company and raffles from sponsors.

You might be lucky to get some Sunshines.

See how it was like in Agri Kapihan Nov2007

Sun Shines in Rosario, Batangas

Hi Sandy,

I got the 2nd batch of Sunshines Sunday (Nov.18) at FTI-AANI. Arrived there early
at 5:50A - maybe earlier than some of the stall owners. It was drizzling and a bit
chilly that morning. While waiting for your crew, I did some "walking" and
"browsing" inside the market to while away the time. Just a few buyers here and
there. Maybe because of the rain and it was still early, anyway.

The delivery van arrived at around 6:20A, coming from the domestic airport to drop
some orders for airfreight, I was told.

Before I left AANI, I bought some "kakanin"- puto, bibingka, suman, etc. For an
amount equivalent to something like 20 USD, I could feed a barangay already! "Mura
talaga sa AANI weekend market".

I arrived back at Lipa before 8:00A with a stop along the way to check the
Sunshines, had a quick breakfast at my in-law's house then picked up my farm
manager and onward to Rosario, Batangas where this 2nd batch will be reared.

At Rosario, there were three chicks that were acting "groggy" when I transferred
the batch to the brooder. The rest were okay and as soon as they were heated,
already running and jumping. Gave them some feeds in the afternoon when I figured
they were already rested and some drinking water before sunset.

Some of them even took a bath in the waterer! I was worried they would get sick!
But they seemed to be happy doing that! And as soon as they wet themselves they
laid close to the light bulbs to heat and dry up. A tad crazy, I thought...

The following day, on the 19th, the 3 weak ones died. But those that took a bath
were just as sprite as everyone. Well, I could not really pinpoint which ones but
they were all robust and cheerful so I just assumed, you know.

Sending you some photos of this second batch. The first batch I don't have any at
all, I forgot to bring my camera. The first batch is in another location by the
Taal lake in Lipa. Next time I will not forget to bring my camera. Karen did not
take photos last time.

I will order another batch next December when I go home for the Christmas
holidays. Most probably the following Saturday right after Christmas so that I can
pick it up myself. Anyway, I will e-mail confirmation.

Thanks a lot and best regards,
Gene

Look At Sunny's Makeover

This is how our Sunny looks like now. We use this mini chick van we called Sunny, for the Metro Manila runs, it holds 20boxes comfortably, 30 boxes when need be. It is everything our regular chick van is: it has a ventilation fan and exhaust.


There were just slight changes made as the back doors didn't show details well, Orange Segment did the necessary work.

Next assignment for a truck wrap is the green Ford Ranger :)

Rare Fruits Nursery

The seminar in 18 November held in Angeles City, Pampanga, was hosted by Rare Fruits Nursery, Solraya's Sunshine Day Old Chicks dealer for the area.

We have met Verns Reyes (agri_center of the PCARRD forums), the owner of Rare Fruits Nursery, on several occasions. We had agreed on a dealership for the area, to be kicked off with a seminar.

Turning to Fil-Am Friendship Hway from MacArthur Hway, seemed like the site was out of the way. But, as soon as we saw the place....we knew "this was it"...it had the air of Verns - refreshing, straight to the point, innovative, focused.

TJ and Verns has some alliances due to rare fruits, so TJ can't refuse him when asked to come for the seminar.

Not only did TJ do the seminar..he seasoned some chicken pieces with salt and pepper and did "inihaw na sunshine" for the guests. It disappeared FAST. We didn't get to taste it. From the looks of the guests, it was good.

We have good response in that area, basing from inquiries Rare Fruits Nursery is getting for the Sunshines.

Seminars will be scheduled there periodically.

Enjoy the slide and the videos.








Rare Fruits Nursery: Fil-Am Hway, Circumferential Rd, Angeles City, Pampanga. Infront of VC David Car Center

Agree sa Agri, DZEC 1062 khz

We have accepted to be part of "Agree sa Agri", hosted by Anne Bernardino, Mondays thru Fridays, 4-5am, over DZEC 1062 khz. Phoned in questions will be entertained and referred to Doc Rey.

All programs are now simulcasts on Eagle Broadcasting Corporation's radio stations in Lucena, Dagupan and Davao.

DZEC's coverage: Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Samar, Aklan, Palawan, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Isabela, La Union, other parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

What's great is that DZEC is not only nationwide but also globally because of audio streamlining through their sister company Net 25 TV and worldtvradio site. In fact, listeners from Saudi Arabia, Hongkong, Singapore, London, and elsewhere in the world had already sent their messages and queries about some topics that were discussed within the newly launched agri-business program "AGREE sa AGRI", through sms.

Planning Our 2nd Batch Of Parent Stocks

Our group met tonight and agreed on the timing of our importation of the 2nd batch of Parent Stocks, that will produce the Sunshines.

Tried and tested strain is what we will bring in. The growers who have been ordering from us since April up until mid October have been familiar with the growth rate and the taste of the F1 chicks we had been making available. Consultations with our regular clients reiterated our October decision to go with the genetic company that has a wide customer base world wide for the free range chicken industry.

For the visitors during Agrilink 2007, the world's largest choice in colored breeders, announced their comeback in the Philippine market and now in alliance with us.

In April, we went with another genetic company because at that time our preferred supplier had unfinished business with the former client. There were no other choices.

Now in October, we are both free to do business with each other. Some things are better delayed. You see a larger picture when you step back and study.

Tried and tested strain from the genetic company that is the leader in the free range chicken industry

Please bear with us during the transition period. We all know it will be worth it. We have seen and tasted the end product.

Slideshows

To simplify and shorten the links found on the this blog, I decided to delete that long list of photos and rather have a featured slideshow of growers, events etc. These albums will always be updated.

It will take time before I am able to upload pics in organized albums.

Please bear with me. Meatime, you can search thru archives for interesting pics.

Also, if you click on the slideshow, it will open up a new window for my Picasa albums, that are currently being worked on.

Friday Hatch

Starting this week, we have moved our hatching day to Fridays. A lot of requests wanted to pick up the Sunshine day old chicks on a Saturday, that is why the move. Sunshines sent by air will now be received on Saturday mornings as well.

Very soon, we will have two hatching schedules in a week. One to serve the air cargo and the South, and the other hatching day to serve the North orders.

That way:

1) Our drivers who are trained to transport day old chicks will not be too tired
2) Loadings/harvests for growers are not all at the same time and can be properly scheduled
3) The eggs don't sit in the egg room for more than three (3) days
4) We are able to visit growers in different areas more leisurely
5) Our Saturdays and Sundays are more open to seminar schedules

A Sunny Gets His Daily Dose Of Worms

Pol Rubia of AANI got from our very first batch of Sunshines. That was soon followed by two to three more purchases.

His son Raymond, once bought a batch because his farm dog overplayed with some of the Sunshine chicks.

Raymond and I would have small talk about the growing chicks...about how he gives them worms daily. He tried photographing. Laughingly saying he can't, because by the time he clicks, the Sunshine has walked away having eaten the worm already.

Some two weeks in a row now, he purchases Sunshines, after he sells his organic vegetables in his booth at AANI. By now, he has developed a relationship with our chickens :) When we aren't around to explain the Sunshines at AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center, he does the talking and is open to accept bookings for orders.

I remember him saying to me recently that he finally got THREE photos. Glad I saw his first postings at the PCARRD forum, which led me to seeing a Sunny get his daily dose.

Camera Dock

Its one thing when you have the camera, but forget to take pics due to excitement, busy eating and engaging conversation.

Frustrating when you have documented a seminar, bbq chicken, fruit nursery, truck wrap....and you can't upload it because you always kept your camera dock at your work corner :) now 10hrs away.

I will keep my postings about yesterday's seminar, save it so I can show you with colors.

They finished one side of Sunny's truck wrapping. Nice! It turned out more vibrant on final printing, compared to photos the artist and I exchanged via emails.

Tomorrow will be hectic and we are looking forward to a girls' nightout at the Beaujolais.

Don't worry...will take pictures of the Philippine setting of the wine festival that all of France celebrates.

TJ's New Range

TJ emailed me this photos showing his new ranging area.

Basing from his pictures from day1 of his load of 23 Sunshines...he has steadily improved his community of rangers.

Relaxing Saturday

My assignment today was AANI FTI:) We are right across a fruit stand that sells native Durian, so I like being assigned there. We are next to the annex entrance so parking is just a hop away.

Midday saw me checking on the hatch.

I sneaked out to finalize artwork for the truck wrap as they were printing today and installing Monday. Small world! I saw Stephane of Le Club. We were using the same printers, Orange Segment. He was there for the Beaujolais 2007 printing. I am going to the Beaujolais with my groupmates from High School...looking forward to having a fun with good old friends :)

Found extra time to get a heavy duty juicer. Did those in 2hrs flat..then went back to hatchery.

Meeting going on now outside as I am posting. But, I'd rather leave that talks amongst the vets.

Looking forward to tomorrow's seminar in Angeles City, Monday's truck wrapping, and Tuesday's Beaujolais!

Almost Final Artwork

I hope to make a minor revision to this and final work will be started later today.

Watch when "Sunny" (that is what we call our small chickvan for Metro runs) rolls out next week sporting new wraps :)

Sandy's Roasted Sunshine Chicken ( Idea from Gigi Gonzales)

This is my favorite. You set it to cook while you relax with a book, cup of tea, disuss the day...while the aroma of herbs and chicken invite you to good dinner...I thank Gigi for this recipe. Aside from designing my house and making this roast, she also taught me a super sarap Halayang Ube

Ingredients:
• 1 whole SUNSHINE chicken
Marinade:
• 1 head garlic, crushed herbs
• 1/8 C olive oil, more if you please
• 1T rock salt, depending on your taste
• Freshly ground black peppercorns
• Fresh herbs, to your liking. I prefer Rosemary, Basil, Tarragon, whatever tickles your nose and taste buds at the moment
Directions:
Mix the marinade in a bowl and rub this all over the chicken. Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, best if longer. Rub and turn chicken from time to time. When you are ready to roast it, stuff the marinade under the chicken's skin and inside the cavity.

I want to cook this slow. Set the whole chicken in the turbo broiler at 300degrees, upside down. After 45mins, invert the chicken, to make it sit. Roast for another 45mins. Increase to 350 degrees for the last 10mins to make it golden brown. Total cooking time will depend on weight of Sunshine Chicken, 1 hour per kilo. While cooking, the roast will emit a wonderful aroma. Serve immediately. I want to stay away from the fat, but you may want to use the drippings as sauce. Best with fresh green salad or buttered vegetables.

Perfect Sunshine Filled Monday in Baguio

Day started at 4:30am from Manila to visit a grower in Baguio. When they found out we were going, they wanted us to bring another batch of chicks. I said "let's see 1week old first".

Had my large Capuccino at leisure while on the road.

Got to the Rosario junction to Kennon at 10am, too early to have lunch so went up to Baguio. Enjoying the relaxing trip while coordinating with my "truck wrap" makers, answering calls from the forwarding Manila landline :)

Met with our grower in Solibao Restaurant in Burnham Park. Am glad I discovered this place. Never been there, but they say it is like an institution landmark in the area. Great noodles and I had to have two orders for myself of the Puto Bumbong :)

The delivery of their 2200 day old chicks was done Nov 3 late evening, Sunday dawn, that was the time when typhoon Kabayan was going to cross Northern Luzon! Saturdays find me toxic that I didn't hear of any typhoon until the two chick vans were off to deliveries late Saturday pm and we had time to listen to news on TV.

I checked with them Monday about how Kabayan was and she replied the winds were super strong but it passed Baguio already. I wondered why no mention of the Sunshines. Well...always..."no news is good news".

We really planned to go up to visit that grower as we never met. Transactions were by phone and we want to make sure everyone succeeds in the raising. They practiced with some 500 chicks before and were able to dispose.

Going back to lunch....so we were discussing about the typhoon, strong winds, how they sleep with the chicks during the brooding time. The grower was a veterinarian. So we were not too scared with the Sunshines in her hands :) Then off we went 6km from the City to visit the 1week old chicks.

You go up and up roads, less winding but more UP, thinking the vehicles in this area must really by well maintained as you feel like getting ready for a rollercoaster ride! We were not prepared for this:

The property was like in the highest peak! The boundaries are the cliffs. Everythings else you see around was like lower than you. We can just imagine the winds here during storms. How they were during Kabayan...We were excitedly scared walking towards the building, not knowing how they are in that temperature.

I didn't change to boots anymore and they just provided stepping stones as the area was still a little muddy...

SURPRISE! You see cute 2000+ chicks, healthy, vaccinated at day3, being brooded kinda too carefully as it was VERY WARM inside that building. We had to ask them to raise the curtains as we ourselves weren't comfortable already :) I left pretty much of the discussions amongst the vets, while I was taking pictures and enjoying the cool breeze outside.

By 2:30pm we were saying goodbyes after making initial talks about cementing our Baguio connections.

We had to stop by my favorite spot in the Rosario junction....S.O.U.L. Cafe, for my green tea latte :)

Truck Wrap

We are presently working to "wrap" our chick vans.

When they deliver and they can't find you, surely you will spot them.

They will make the Sunshine Mobiles standout, cute utilitarians.

BARF

Yesterday I get a call for day old chicks.

After sometime, I realized he was going to feed the Sunshines to his dogs, as he was following the BARF diet.

He was finding that when he fed his dogs raw industrial chickens, they develop skin problems.

After going through the blog and speaking over the phone, I believe he was convinced that the Sunshines will be good for human consumption TOO :)

I Can't Attend The Seminar, Can I Speak With You?

We are reachable by phone, email, YM.

On Saturdays and Sunday, we are at AANI FTI Weekend Market and AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center. We are able to speak up close with you and tackle your concerns about raising.

The AANI people are also equipped to assist you in your queries and are able to accept bookings directly.

Every 4th Sunday of the month, we are at the Agri Kapihan.

If you can't attend seminars because of distance, form a group of interested people. Let's talk. We might be able to do the seminar at your convenience.

Sunshines in Mambukal

I got this email last night from jovilac:

Hello Sandy,

Here are pictures of the shines when they were 2 weeks old confined in a brooder
pen. And the succeeding pix were taken earlier this morning on range. Aged 1 month
and 5 days. I feel sad about the 7 shines that were killed by a wildcat from the day
we started letting them out on range. It was not a one time attack, the wildcat
would prey on one or two shines and be back after 2 or 3 days. It would be
impossible for my caretaker to guard them the whole day. So i'm looking for a way to
trap the elusive varmint before another shine falls victim. I enjoy seeing the
shines running around the range area.

Best regards

They really look happy where they are. Should be making family's and close friends' dinner tables in December.

I asked him the difference of the gamefowls and the Sunshines on the range:

Gamefowls are more active on range. They run around and roost on trees. Thats why
varmints have a little hard time preying on them, except for the weaklings that are
easier to catch. The shines are a little bit sluggish, and loves to rest under the
shade after feeding. They become perfect targets for wildcats. Each night, my
caretaker would gather them and place them on a safety brooder cage to keep them
safe from varmints.

FREE SEMINAR 18 November 2007

WHAT: FREE SEMINAR on Raising Sunshine Chicken
WHERE: Rare Fruits Nursery
Fil-Am Friendship Hiway, Circumferential Rd.
Angeles City, Pampanga
(Infront of VM David Car Center)
TIME: 10am

You may contact Vern Reyes (0917) 511-1009 for details

Everyone is welcome to join.

Good opportunity to gain confidence in hearing that your simple, back to basic ideas are doable. The rare fruit trees in the nursery will be interesting too.

How To Order?

This merits to be part of FAQ.

Go through the "PRICES and AVAILABILITY" on the left side of the blog.

For pick up of products in any of our outlets, there is NO MINIMUM purchase and no need to prepay. You can pay when you pick up your Sunshines.

For orders that we can deliver on our normal routes, we can do COD transactions.

Orders that require air cargo space, we suggest you book with us one (1) week in advance so we can assure cargo space on 1st flights.

We will require minimum of one (1) box of 100 day old chicks for orders to be shipped by air and prepaid transactions. Additional cost for handling and freight will depend on number of boxes ordered.

Payments may be sent to our BPI account.

Fruit Festival at AANI

There is an ongoing Fruit Festival at AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center.

People have been visiting the area as the fruits are below market prices and fresh as supplies are replenished often.

The crowd drawer are the Durians at php80/kilo.

Agri Kapihan 25 November 2007

WHEN: 25 November 2007, 8-11am, but people start coming in earlier.
WHERE: Courtyard of DWWW 774 (AM radio), 23 E Rodriguez near corner D. Tuazon, QC

Everyone is invited. No entrance fee. Coffee is free, seminars are free. Booths are tended by people who can answer your questions.

See you there.

PS While on your way to Agri Kapihan, listen to Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura, or KSA for short.

Short Weekend for Me

Supposed to be a long weekend for all...I look at it as a short weekend.

Weekend starts Fridays when we get prepared for the AANI market booths, hatchery on Saturdays and Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura for Sunday mornings.

Holiday or not, that is the schedule. I was just asked a minute ago "so you don't rest?".... I replied "Oh, I enjoy what I am doing"!

We are now planning to start schedules on hatching 2x a week, to be able to serve the needs of various growers.

See you at the market tomorrow :)

Still a Holiday

The past days have seen the PCARRD FORUM down. Am sure that like me, there are hundreds out there addicted to this message board. Let's hope they solve any new problems they have in electricity or hardwares.

My luxury in life are "long nails" :) For those who've met me, make-up, colognes, clothes etc aren't what makes me tick. My nails and desserts wake me up BIGTIME.

Last couple of weeks had been hectic. Thank you for a holiday and that gives me time to do my nails at CANS before the most enjoyable busy weekends again.

Is there a place where we can clone ourselves? Sunday finds us choosing amongst important TO DOs.

I will just think of problems on shortage in manpower tomorrow :)

1st Test Had To Be The Mom Of Bingbong

The 1st days of my PCARRD forum life, saw my interactions with Bingbong (who I thought was male!) and Tj.

Tj and I would always talked about how women, moreso, older women...simply just KNOW by looks, feel and touch.

Bingbong spoke about her mom wouldn't have it any otherway but native chicken. Once, mom and Bing saw how Tj was dressing his Sunshines for delivery. He had none to spare, so the taste test wasn't meant to be yet.

Couple of days ago, I spoke w/ Bing while she was visiting Tj.

Today, I get this text from her, verbatim (I guess she got some Sunshines then):

Had my 1st taste of sunshine chickns last wkend, it was a big hit s boys, hubby & my dad & the ever choosy mom namin. Regular tinola & sinampalukan lng & they craving for more. Jst want to let you know that it passed the pihikan test. Bing

Am sure Farmer TJ is so pleased and rewared for his efforts at giving his customers good tasting and healthy chickens :)

Agri Kapihan 28Oct07

It was a first for me to attend the real Agri Kaphan. What I know are the ones at AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center every 1st Sunday of the month.

Attendance was very good, but everyone was saying that there was an abnormal low number of attendees that they attribute to the very long weekend.

I took pictures of where they postioned us, right by the entrance, under a tree, part of the pocket garden. Nice area actually. You will see the day old chicks :), AANI booth with Tony Rola captured on the right side (mangga_gamot), and the ATOVI gang.

I waited to take photos of the Agri Kapihan proper, when we were to do the seminar.

Joseph and Audrey of Sun Field Chicken arrived :).....

Some company make you totally forget about tasks.

The seminar was good. People are slowly, starting to understand that F1 chickens are broilers and not breeding materials.

This Replaces Dessert

Just finished dinner of Inihaw na Sunshine (just do a salt and pepper rub, leave it for about 30mins, then broil it over live coals, adjust height to achieve that low temperature, slow cooking).



Printing invoices for deliveries, sitting infront of the monitor...I get this email from Tessie of Davao. She sent these pictures of her three (3) batches.

I forgot my craving for a Latte.

Sunshines are brownred, not black :)

Click this to read Zac Sarian's column in the Agriculture section of Manila Bulletin today

We were featured. Thank you. But...I wonder where they got the photo shown???

As you can see all over the photos on this blog, Sunshine Chickens are brownred. Once in a while there may be a different color, may be due to genetic throwbacks, but those will be exceptions.

Good thing I will see Zac tomorrow during the Agri Kapihan. I hope to get an answer :)

My Leche Flan

Sandy's Leche Flan
Ingredients:
• 1 C carabao's milk or goat's milk
• 1 C coco sugar
• 6 whole eggs from grass fed, pastured hens
• 4 whole calamansi or 1 whole dayap, do not squeeze, just take out seeds
Directions:
In a bowl, combine milk, sugar, eggs and calamansi or dayap (including the rind). Mash the ingredients using clean hands, do not beat the mixture. After you have mixed it well, remove calamansi or dayap and any seeds that may have been left. Set aside. Using 4 llaneras, put some coco sugar in each and set on top of stove one at a time, over low heat. As it melts, tip the llanera side to side to coat the bottom. Set aside to cool. Pour egg mixture into the 4 llaneras, cover with aluminum foil. Put llaneras in a bigger pan. Pour water until it reaches almost halfway through the height. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 mins or until firm.If you have no oven, cook in a steamer for 30-45 mins. Check after 30 mins if done.

I like adding grated Dayap rind just before steaming.

The touch of mint gives a wonderful flavour, though some people don't like it. Instead of Dayap or Kalamansi, you may get fresh mint leaves and have it as you mash the ingredients. Take out the mashed mint leaves. Then before steaming, top with fresh leaves.

I Like To Smile To Start The Day

Yes, I know....no pictures again from that very pleasant night with Adora and Kathy of MX 97.7....and that made me "smile" now.

George of Tavern Murano made that good Baked Sunshine again. The other dish he created was a crunchy one with peanut sauce he made from scratch. He showed us the sauce...he said olive oil or was it butter?, peanuts plus other things that skipped me now. I didn't care as he was talking as I was busy relishing the morsels. You will ask for extra bread to scrape the last traces of that Peanut Sauce.

Last night had us having dinner at Kambingan ni Mang Ali. He made soup, simply boiled with lemongrass. That as really good. The other one was a favorite the last time, the inihaw with just salt and pepper rub.

On both nights I came well equipped with my charged camera. Next time, should hang it around my neck so I remember it when soup gets to it.

Looking Forward to a Dinner of Good Sunshine MX

After we had that very good Baked Sunshine by George of Tavern Murano, I thought about Kathy of MX 97.7. She had been doing my radio ads and tags.

Sent her a message last week and invited her to have chicken dinner.

That is tonight. I hope to really remember to take photos!

St, Mary's New Rangers in Cebu Mountains

See how excited they are to be free. They are really meant to be set on the range, let loose to forage and play around. Happy chickens give us good tasting meat :)

They also got their first batch of island borns, see the photo of the new day olds.....as the importeds are set out, the new batch goes in :)

AGRI KAPIHAN 28OCT

Everyone is invited to join the Agri Kapihan on 28 October at the DWWW 774 compound, 23 E. Rodriguez (near corner D. Tuazon).

It is held every 4th Sunday of the month, 8-11am, but most people come real early. Good opportunity for you to meet the Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura hosts (Nina Manzanares-Agu, Tony Rola and Zac Sarian) and the rest of the KSA family.

There are FREE seminars held during the event. Topics for 28 October, among others, will be:

1) Raising Sunshine Chickens by Dr. Rey Itchon

2) Use of Biozome, Micronutrients Fertilizer by Antonio Lucero Jr.

Agricultural products will be available during the Agri Kapihan.

See you there!

While you are on your way there, don't forget to stay tuned to Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura DWWW 774 AM radio, every Sunday, 4:30-7:30am

Tavern Murano's Baked Sunshine

My favorite Italian restaurant in Santiago City, Tavern Murano, made us Sunshine Chicken done three (3) ways.

I gave him full authority on what to do. I just said : No artificial seasonings, low fire, slow cooking.

First came two dishes. Both had serving sizes pieces. One was like sauteed/braised with carrots and raisins. Second one was with fresh wild mushrooms.

Both were not really what I will ask for again, but the things is, the natural taste of chicken stood out. Flavors didn't masque the taste of the meat.

The piece de resistance came...whole baked Sunshine Chicken in a bed of chunky potatoes.

George came by to say he was amazed at how the chicken felt even when uncooked. Not slimey at all, soft to the touch, no fishy smell at all, the innards looked tender and clean.

He looked at us bite into our baked Sunshine.....really great taste! Then he said he boiled it in very little water. About 15 mins, turning it around often, releasing the fat from the Sunshine, w/c was minimal as he said. Then transferred the Sunshine to a baking dish with a bed of potato chunks. Poured the minimal liquid he had left from the pan. George of Tavern Murano baked it, very low fire....letting the natural juice cook the Sunshine and the potatoes.

Not a pinch of salt, nor other seasonings. As we both said.... "NADA"! He said he baked it the French way.

That I have to ask about :)

He and his wife Joy didn't have dinner with us, but he made sure he had servings for them set aside. He asked his red wine to be brought to us, and we enjoyed a glass to cap our meal.

I just realized....I forgot to take photos again. Good meals make me...